Electric steam generator control



Nov. 9, 1948. M. EATON ELECTRIC STEAM GENERATOR CONTROL Filed April 19, 1947 fi E r W I} I I! I l MILTON EATON Nov. 9, 1948. M. EATON.

ELECTRIC STEAM GENERATOR CONTROL '7 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed April 19, l947 mu zon W .m 5% om QUIKOI MIRP V m 0* EL M N Wm M N O T m M Snows;-

Nov. 9, 1948. M. EATON ELECTRIC STEAM GENERATOR CONTROL 7 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed April 19, 1947 M/LTON EATON '7 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed April 19, 1947 a? J Q Q MUAJONEIZOU P. w h in mum E 3m I mm H l lwl ll l M an. m I H H H H M m 31 0 3mm WTIIEH, m2

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ELECTRIC STEAM GENERATOR CONTROL Filed April 19, 1947 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 SP FLOAT'NG E ACTION INPUT CHANG CONTROL E F'ECTS F'lCi.5 21m MILTON EATON NOV. 9, 1948. M T N 2,453,211

ELECTRIC STEAM GENERATOR CONTROL X'lddflSUlV MILTON EA TON Patented Nov. 9, 1948 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE ELECTRIC STEAM GENERATOR CONTROL Quebec Application April 19, 1947, Serial No. 742,723

14 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in the regulation of electric steam generators of the electrode type. This application is a continuation-in-part of application, Serial No. 595,755, filed May 25, 1945.

OBJECTS Principal objects of the invention are (1) to improve feed water regulation for the purpose of obtaining more eiiective controller action, (2) to improve self regulation or "preset controller action and (3) to provide improved means for partial automatic regulation; (4) to provide means for adapting the control apparatus to regulate two or more similar electric steam generators in parallel with common control equipment.

The present invention is featured by a novel method and means for regulating the boiler pressure or the power input (i. e. the rate of evaporation) in response to variations in the selected condition (or deviations from the control point of the selected condition) through automatic gradatim variation of the water level on the boiler electrodes. The invention is further featured by improved means for regulating the salt concentration in the boiler water and other improvements which will become evident from the specification.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The invention will be better understood from the following detailed description of preferred types of equipment in which it is embodied, it being understood that this equipment may be varied within the scope of the invention claimed. Reference will be made to the accompanying drawings illustrating this preferred equipment, and in which:

Figure 1 is a vertical sectional view of the type of boiler and control apparatus associated with it.

Figure 2 is an enlarged sectional view of the bleed control electrode and auxiliary features forming a part of the apparatus shown in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a typical arrangement in which the control apparatus functions to regulate the power input.

Figure 4 is an enlarged sectional view of the power-to-pressure converter used in the arrangement illustrated in Figure 3.

Figure 5 is a vertical sectional view of an alternative arrangement of an electric boiler of which the control tank is an integral part, and of the control apparatus associated with it.

Figure 6 is a schematic view showing more particularly a preferred feed water regulator.

Figure 7 is a schematic View showing an arrangement according to the invention whereby partial automatic control is obtained.

Figure 8 is a graph illustrating the action of the automatic control action according to the invention.

Figure 9 is a view showing the arrangement of apparatus for operating three single phase electric boilers as a three phase unit.

A sectional View of the type of boiler referred to is shown in Figure 1. In order to simplify description, the electric boiler H is shown as single phase with a single electrode l2 and single phase power supply, whereas they are usually made with three electrodes for three phase operation. Three single phase boilers, as illustrated, may be used as a three phase boiler with an electrode connected with each phase and the boiler shells electrically connected to form a grounded neutral.

The electric current, passing through the water surrounding the electrodes, generates heat energy that is dissipated in raising steam. Since the applied voltage is constant, the power input, or rate of evaporation which is directly proportional to the power input, is regulated by varying the current. which is governed by the resistance 01 its path through the Water. This depends on (a) the specific resistance and temperature of the water, (b) the cross sectional area of the path, and (0) its mean length. The specific resistance depends on the concentration of salts in solution and the cross sectional area varies with the height of the Water on the electrodes. Either of these conditions may be varied and used as a means of control. The power input is proportional to the electrode area immersed and the salt concentration in the water, and varies directly as the Water level on the electrodes. The salt concentration tends to increase, due to salts carried into the boiler by the feed water, and is held within satisfactory limits by continuous or intermittent bleeding.

The control functions to maintain constant salt concentration and to regulate the controlled pressure by raising and lowering the water level on the electrodes between fixed limits. The salt concentration determines the conductivity of the boiler water. Means is provided to operate the bleed valve for reduction of salt content when the conductivity exceeds a predetermined value and the pressure is normal or high. It is inopcrative when thepressure is low.

mitting feed water to the boiler, controlling be Control Apparatus The top of an elevated control tank 25, Figure 1, is connected. by pipe ill with the boiler shell at a point corresponding with the upper limit of water level. A regulating valve it controls this communication. Manual valves and check valve 45'are connected in series with valve 2 and pipe ll forms a bypass controlled by manual valve 44. Pipe 20, connected with pipe ill at a point higher than the control tank and with the boiler shell at a point corresponding with the lower limit of water level, also bypasses valve iii. For simplicity in description, the valve it is shown as a spring-loaded pressure reducing valve whereas in practice an air-operated controller is used. (A Fulscope controller with ll/.iotosteel diaphragm valve, Catalogue No. 863, Taylor lnstru- Inent Company, is found to be satisfactory.) space between the levels of pipes and ii is the normal range of water level on the electrodes.

The bottom of the control tank is connected with the bottom of the boiler by pipe 23 in which valve 49 is located. A bleed control electrode l8, shown in detail, Figure 2, is connected in pipe 2 5. The essential parts of the bleed control electrodes are the electrode ltd with its connecting rod lllb, which are insulated, and the body, or plug, which is bored at theinside end. to accommodate the electrode'and to determine the length of the gap through which the bleed control current passes.

A transformer 5 is connected with the power supply by fused disconnecting switch 6. Switch fill disconnects the ungrounded secondary lead l which is, connected in series with the solenoid coil of relay and the bleed control electrode terminal rod I812. Transformer lead 2 is connected with pipe 23 and ground. Relay S5 is a current type with means for adjusting its op erating. currentvalue. The contacts of relay and solenoid of bleed valve it are connected in series across control power leads 5 and A float chamber ill is connected with control tank 26 at its center line. Float is arranged to move up and down as the water level in the control tank rises and falls and through linkage 33 decreases orv increases the opening of feed water regulator valve 28 controlling feed water flow throughpipe 24, which is connected with the bottom of theboiler and a source of water at a pres sure higher than that of the boiler.

A manual throttling valve 36 controls a bleed connection at the top of the control tank which discharges steam to a low pressure system or to apparatus using steam at low pressure, such as a feed water heater.

The alternative air-operated controller, reply-1c ing pressure. reducing valve is shown with cc nections in Figures 6 and 'l. The controller 280-3B0 has a steam pressure connection 28l- 381, control air pressure connection and output air pressure connection s -l Toe controller functions to vary its outputair pressure, and hence the oper ng of valve Elli e t 1. vi,

.in. accordance with changes in the controlled pressure. The throttling range (or sensitivityl is. adjustable.

Independent manually-operated means for water b1eed, and feeding salt solution to her are. provided for starting up purposes.

Operation In order to simplify description, it is assumed the boiler has been put'into service on manual 4 control and that automatic control has been established by opening valves 4!], -12, Eli and Q6 and closing valve it. Switch Ell must also be clos Assuming normal boiler pressure, as determine by the spring pressure of valve l5, correspond. g with the set point of the air-operated controller, and water levels as indicated, valve i5 is throttled to pass just enough steam to equal the rate of bleed through valve 36 plus the rate of condensation in the control tank. Valve 36 is adjusted in operation so that when the controlled pressure is on the control point valve it: is about half open.

Rising boiler pressure, transmitted through pipe 22, increases the steam pressure on diaphragm ill, thus decreasing the opening oi valve The rate of admission of steam to the control tank will then be less than the rate at which steam is bled oil and condensed, and as the volume of steam in the control tank decreases it is replaced by water drawn from the boiler through pipe As water is taken from the boiler, the level on electrode l2 falls, causing a decrease in power input and rate of evaporation, which returns the pressure to normal.

If the pressure falls below normal, the pres sure on diaphragm it decreases, allowing spring ll to increase the opening of valve l5. Steam will then rise through 2i faster than the rate of bleed from, and condensation in, the control tank. This tends to equalize control tank and boiler steam pressures, thus allowing water to f ew back to the boiler by gravity through This results in rising water level on the electrode with increased power input and rate of evaporation causing the pressure to return to normal.

it c rate of transfer of water between. control tank and boiler at any instant is determined by the openingof regulating valve l5 and the difference between boiler and control tank steam pressures. A momentary rise in boiler pressure increases the difference in pressures, causing water to be transferred to the control tank through 23 until the volume of steam in the control tank is compressed sufficiently to reestablish normal differences in pressures. Similarly a momentary fall in boiler pressure causes water to be returned to the boiler, not only by gravity, but also by control tank. excess steam pressures, thus accelerating the rate of rise on the electrodes.

The boiler pressure is normally higher than the control tank steam pressure by an amount equivalent to the dii-erence in water levels, which is the pressure drop across control valve iii when the controlled pressure is at the control point. A rise in boiler pressure causes valve iii to decrease its opening but there is still sufficient passage ofsteam through it to contribute towards an equivalent rise in control tank steam pressure by an amount depending on the valve throttling range and the time interval. If the boiler pres sure falls below that of the control tank steam pressure, valve it increases its opening. The control tank steam pressure will fall an amount equal to the decrease in boiler pressure in a time interval depending on the rate at which steam is bled off through valve 3%. The changes in water level on the electrode, for which boiler pressure fluctuations are directly responsible, are therefore proportional to the rate of change in the controlled pressure. The extent of water level change, due to this effect, depends on the steam storage capacity of the control tank and valve adjustments. The steam storage capacity determines the change in volume to which the steam is compressed or expanded to equal the boiler pressure changes and in response to transfer of water from or to the boiler.

According to A. S. M. E. terminology, since the power input is matched with steam demand to maintain constant pressure, the water level on the electrode, or the electrode immersion, which determines the power input, may be regarded as the final control element. Control valve IS, with its associated apparatus, is a proportional-position controller, the operation of which obtains a rate of change in water level proportional to the deviation of the controlled pressure from the control point. In addition controlled pressure fluctuations result in immediate changes in water level, on the electrode proportional to the rate and amount of change in the controlled pressure. The operation of regulating valve 15 obtains what is known as proportional-speed-floating controller action. Changing boiler water level, directly responsive to pressure fluctuations, is similar to what is known as preset controller action. A regulator with these controller actions is the best obtainable for regulating unstable variables.

Electric boiler pressure is difficult to regulate with fluctuating steam demand mainly on account of low capacity lag, controller lag, and an unfavourable temperature coefficient of water resistance. As the pressure and boiler water temperature rise the conductivity and power input increase thus accelerating the rise in pressure; conversely, falling pressure reduces the power input when an increase is required.

Figure 8 serves to describe the control response graphically. A sudden change in steam demand occurs at time 5 as in curve A. The controlled pressure momentarily falls and is brought back to the control point as in curve B. Curve C shows the increase in power input, occasioned by rising water level on the boiler electrode, due to proportional-speed-floatng control alone.

while curve D shows that due to preset con-.

troller action alone. Curve E is the sum of the two control effects.

As indicated by the shape of curve C proportional-speed-floating controller action causes the power input to rise at a rate proportional to the deviation of the controlled pressure from the control point. At time 7 /2 the pressure begins to rise and consequently any further increase in power input would cause the pressure to overshoot the control point.

The preset controller action, curve D, is due to momentary diiference between control tank and boiler steam pressures. As the boiler pressure, curve B, falls, water is transferred from the control tank to the boiler by excess control tank steam pressure with consequent rise in power input. When the pressure reaches its lowest value the control tank steam pressure has fallen to near that of the boiler and at time 8 /2 the boiler pressure begins to exceed the control tank steam pressure by an amount sumcient to cause transfer of water from the boiler to the control tank. The boiler water level therefore falls with resulting decrease in power input, consequently when the pressure reaches the control point, the power input is lower than it was when the pressure was at its lowest value. Lines 1, 2, and 3 indicate power input values at the instant the fall of pressure is stopped.

fhe sum of these control responses, curve E,

shows why the pressure is brought under control without overshooting, thus resulting in control stability.

1 Similar controller action occurs in the event of an instantaneous decrease in steam demand with momentary rise in controlled pressure.

The control tank is approximately equal in volume to the section of the boiler between the upperand lower water level limits. The sensitivity, or throttling range, of valve it adjusted in service to that at which the most satisfactory operation. is obtained. In curve B, Figure 8, the throttling range would be to 110 lbs. The mean pressure is determined by the controller set point. The control point may be made to approach either the upper or lower limit of throttling range by the adjustment of valve 36. If the rate of dissipation of control tank steam is increased, valve l5 must increase its opening to supply it and to do the controlled pressure or control point must fail to obtain the necessary controller response. Similarly, decreasing the rate of dissipation of control tank steam raises the control point in the throttling range. Curve B, Figure 8, indicates that the control point is on the set point or at the mean pressure. Because the complete controlling means operates as a floating type controller, the control point remains on the set point regardless of steam demand, i. e., there is no droop occasioned by change in demand.

Control apparatus and adjustments, as described above, permit the controlled pressure to be held within the throttling range of regulating valve l5 with instantaneous changes in steam demand up to 50% of the boiler capacity and with no steam storage other than what is provided by the boiler itself. Figure 8 illustrates the control response with a change in demand from 50% to of the boiler capacity. Larger load changes may be effected but not Without greater changes in the controlled pressure.

A larger control tank would permit greater instantaneous changes in steam demand. but the permissible range is limited by the time required to transfer water from the boiler to the control tank, or in the reverse direction, to eiiect water level changes on the electrode. Since this is part of the controlling means the limitation is due to controller lag. It is doubtful that apparatus of this type can be made to hold the pressure under control with instantaneous load changes exceeding 70% of the boiler capacity, or 70% of the load taken at the upper water level which de pends on the bleed control point. When it is necessary to accommodate instantaneous load changes exceeding 50% of the boiler capacity supplementary steam storage equipment should be considered.

. Controlled pressure The controlled pressure may be the boiler pressure or the pressure at a point remote from the boiler, such as a steam header.

Boiler water level limits If the boiler water level rises above the level of pipe connection 2|, Figure 1, access or" steam to pipe 2! is out off and water is immediately transferred to the control tank by control action previously described. Similarly the boiler water, level falls below the point at which pipe is connected, the water in the pipe runs out and steam rises through it, bypassing regulating valve [5, and causing water to be transferred from the control tankto the boiler. It is, ther fore, ap-

parent that the Water level range-is fixed regardless of steam demand or controlled pressure variations. The boiler load, corresponding with the water level, depends on the boiler water conductivity or bleed control point.

Bleed control The boiler water conductivity is regulated as 'an independent variableby bleeding and with control apparatus as previously described. The

control point is adjusted by means for determining the current at which relay 35 closes its contacts.

The bleed-control electrode, with its assembled parts, constitutes a miniature electric boiler. The water in which the electrode is immersed has periodically the same concentration of salts in solution as that of the boiler water and the applied voltage has a fixed ratio with the boiler voltage. ways completely immersed the current depends entirely on the water conductivity or salt concentration. When this reaches a predetermined value relayBE closes its contacts to energize bleed valve l4 which-opens to bleed off water from the boiler. As bleed water is taken from the boiler it is replaced with relatively purefeed water, thus diluting the boiler water and reducing the conductivity to normal at which valve [4 recloses. The rate of bleeding is adjusted by means of a manual throttling valve (not shown) which is connected in series with valve M. l he optimum rate of bleeding depends on feed water salt content and other conditions.

The water in the control tank has lower salt content than that of the boiler because it is diluted by condensed steam. Consequently as water is being transferred to the boiler, on a fall of pressure, the current taken by the bleed control electrode decreases causing relay 35 to open its contacts, if closed, and the bleed through it to stop. This permits the water level in the boiler to rise faster, and :higher conductivity to be maintained, thus facilitating recovery of normal pressure. open when water is being transferred to the con trol tank on rise of pressure, thus assisting to restore normal pressure.

The bleed control apparatus functions as .a.

simple two position controller which .is satislactory because of large capacity lag in salt concen--- tration.

When the control functions to maintain constant power input, as described-later, it would be preferable to locate the bleed control electrode I operated. If air-operated, relay 35 would be conneoted to energize a 3-way valve controlling the air pressure on the bleed valve diaphragm.

Feed water regulations The preferred Bailey thermoehydraulic feed water regulator, referred to in application #595755, page 12, line 30, is shown in Figure '6 with the arrangement and associated apparatus necessary to obtain the mostefiective controller action. Thisregulatorincludes thegeneratorias- Since the bleed control electrode is al- W Similarly the bleed valve tends to .5

8 -:semb1y, part 22?, valve 228, and interconnecting tubing .233. The generator has an inner tube 26-! communicating with the control tank 226 at a point above its center line, or mean water level, and a point below the mean water level so that the water level in 2561 always corresponds with the water level in the control tank. An outer concentric tube 262 is connected with bellows 242 of the regulator valve 228 by means of tubing 233. The outer tube 262, tubing and bellows 242 are filled with water when cold. The liquid pressure in bellows 2 22 tends to keep valve 228 :open and the pressure of spring 2M tends to close it. As the water level rises and falls in the control tank the proportion of tubes 25! and 262 .fi'lled with water or steam changes accordingly. When the water level falls, steam in 26! evaporates water in M2 until their water levels correspond. Rising water level in Zfil condenses steam in 262 until the levels are again equal. Water :level changes result in corresponding changes in the amount of steam in 262 thus varyin the pressure in bellows 262. These pressure variations control the opening of valve 228 in such a way'that the water level in the control tank tends to be held constant. This is a proportionalposition type regulator, i. e. the valve'openinc is proportional to the deviation of the controlled level from the control tank center .line 'or set point. The control point depends on the demand for water.

In Figure 6 the indicated water levels WL correspond with mean boiler load. Levels AA and BB correspond with heavy load and light load respectively. When the boiler load is heavy the water level must fall in element 22$ to obtain the required opening of Valve 228. This results in high boiler water level and low control tank water level. "Similarly at light load the boiler water level is low and the control tank water level is high.

The distance d between the set point and the control point is defined droop and in this instance it is determined by the length and slope of element 221, which is mounted vertically to exaggerate the droop in contrast to previous applications in which it is inclined to obtain higher sensitivity and a minimum. droop.

.At heavy load the boiler Water level is high and consequently there is little use for storage water .in the control tank but considerable potential use for storage space, conversely at light load more storage water than storage space is desirable. In thisapplioation exaggerated droop is consequently an advantage. However, it should not alter the steam space in the control tank enough to affect adversely the present control action pre- .viously described. Satisfactory results are obtained when Zd-does not exceed 20% of the diameter of the control tank.

.An increase in steam demand, causing the con trolled pressure to fall, results in transfer of water from the control tank to the boiler-to raise the power input. t the same time the feed water regulator-responds to the falling water level in the control tank to increase the rate of feed water flow to the boiler.

The fallin steam pressure is brought under control more rapidly if the rise in Water level on the electrodes is effected entirely by transfer :of

Water from the control tank. If it is partly aocomp-lished by an accelerated rate of flow of feed water, additional heat energy is required to bring the feed water up to steam temperature. The accelerated flow of ,feed water also dilutes the 9-. boiler water, reducing its salt content and hence its conductivity.- The best results are obtained with an appreciable time lag in feed water regulator response. Thisis obtained by desensitizing the regulator with vertical mounting of the thermo-hydraulic generator 221, and by taking advantage of instrument lag due to the time required to evaporate or condense water in tube 262.

The most suitable type of feed water regulator for this application is, therefore, one having considerable droop and instrumentlag. An airoperated feed water regulator, such as a Bailey Bulletin No. IIJB Feed water control, with adjustable low sensitivity would also obtain the desired performance.

Air bleeding Steam condenses in the controltank due to contact with water below steam temperature and as it condenses permanent gases tend to accumulate. The gas is mostly air carried into the boiler by the feed water and released with the steam. The baffle 2! IA, shown at the boiler end of pipe 223, Figure 6, serves to cause water transferred to the control tank to be taken from the boiler at a point where the water is near steam temperature thus obtaining a minimum rate of condensation in the control tank. It also serves to separate air from water entering pipe 223 thereby avoiding interference to gravity flow through this pipe due to air pockets.

A single steam connection at the top ofthe control tank could be made with the bleed through valve 315 located in a continuation of pipe 32! and intermediate T connection to the tank as shown in Figure '7. The connections are made as shown in Figure 6 with pipe 32! connected at one end of the control tank and the bleed connection at the opposite end, thus causing all'steam bled off through valve 236, for control purposes, to be swept through the tank carrying air with it. This avoids adverse control effects that would result with high air concentration. Even with this means of air bleeding there may still be sufficient left to interfere with'normal operation of the thermo-hydraulic generator 221, Figure 6. If air. accumulates in 26I, rather than steam, the required thermal action is not obtained and unsatisfactory feed water regula tion results.

Accumulation of air in 2G] is avoided by means of an air bleeder made with tubing 292, which passes through pipe plug 29! into 251. The outer end is connected with a thermostatic steamtrap 293. Steam rising through 292 heats the actuating elementof 293 which expands thus closing its lscharge valve. Condensed steam runs back to 26!. If air enters 293 the actuating element cools and contracts. This causes the valve to open and the air to be discharged through tubing 294. Steam following the air reheats the valve-actuating element thus reclosing the valve. v r

Partial automatic control Figure 7 shows an arrangement of control apparatus that may be used for partial automatic control. The feed water regulator and boiler bleed control apparatus are omitted and their function is accomplished by manual operation of valves 328 and 3M.

Pipe 220, Figure 6, is also eliminated with pipe 323 connected to the boilerat the lowest limit of water level. With partial manual operation itis not necessary that pipes 32! and 323 should be connected with the boiler at the levels indic'ated' 10 However 32l must not be lower than the upper iimit of water level and 323 must 'not be higher than the lower limit.

If the boiler water level falls below 323, and valve 336 is closed, water will fiow through pipe to the boiler at the same time as steam rises through it in the opposite direction to supply the bleed through valve 315 and that required to replace the water. This can be done but not without disturbance similar to water hammer. However, this would not be appreciable if pipe 323 were short and relatively large.

The preferred type of controller referred to in application #595,755 is illustrated in Figures 6 and 7. The controller 28038ll has a steam pressure connection 28|-38l, input air pressure connection 282382 and output air pressure connection 283-483. The controller functions to vary its output air pressure, and hence the opening of valve 2 l 5-315, in accordance with changes in the controlled pressure. The throttling range (01' sensitivity) is adjustable.

The arrangement shown schematically in Figure 6 includes feed water regulation but does not include boiler water bleed control.

Power input control Figure 3 illustrates a typical arrangement in which electric boiler 58 is used to maintain constant load on transformers 50. Switches 53 and circuit breakers 54 control three feeders. 56 is a large motor. Transformer 55 reduces the volt age for motor load center 51.

It is assumed that the electric boiler is operated in parallel with a coal or oil fired boiler to supply steam for heating purposes. The electric boiler is required to take more power as the motor load decreases and vice versa, while the associated coal or oil fired boiler functions to maintain the steam pressure.

In order to use the electric boiler pressure control, as described above, for this purpose it is necessary to employ a power-to-pressure converter. A device similar in operation to that of the apparatus shown in Figure 4 would obtain the desired result.

The load on transformers 50 is proportional to the secondary current of current transformer 5| which is rectified and passed through the solenoid coil of the device shown in Figure 4. As the current varies the pull on plunger 60 changes accordingly. The pressure resulting from this pull is transferred to the liquid in the pressure chamber through linkages 6| and 62. The pressure element of valve l5, Figure 1, is connected with pipe 22, Figure 4, rather than with the boiler.

The pressure control point of valve or controller i5 is made to correspond with the desired load' current through current transformer 5|. If the transformer load increases, the solenoid pull and liquid pressure, Figure 4, increase. The control then functions to reduce the electric boiler load, which in turn reduces the trans Alternative arrangement Figure 5 shows another arrangement wherein the control tank is an integral part of the boiler. A diaphragm plate 515, from which electrode 5l2 r is supported by insulators 5H, divides the boiler into an upper control tank section and a lower trode are connected in pipe 523.

1i; steam generating section. Steam outlet pipe 512 supports the diaphragm plate. The power entrance bushing and insulator 53G is locatedin the side of the boiler instead of in pipe 523 and consequently the operation of the bleed valve depends only on the boiler water conductivity or salt concentration, i. c. it is independent of the controlled condition.

. Alternatively, pipes are. and 523 may be located outside the boiler with the valve 540 and elec- The operation would then be the same as described for the arrangement shown in Figure 1.

The diaphragm chamber of valve 515 is connected with the steam outlet pipe rather than directly with the boiler, as in Figure 1. This determines the point at which the steam pressure is controlled. When it is as shown, the controlled pressure is the boiler pressure less the pressure drop in thesteam main, which is proportional to the rate of flow of steam or steam demand. Any change in steam demand causes the controlled pressure to change more rapidly and to a greater extent than the boiler pressure thus causing valve 515, to operate before. the boiler pressure changes appreciably and in the right, direction to hold it under control. This arrangement enables the control to anticipate K changes in the controlled condition and to preact in such a Way as to minimize them.

It is understood that the response of the valve 5l5 to the pressure in the steam main is not necessarily limited to the particular apparatus il-v line has, for convenience, been shown close to the boiler, it will be understood that this connection'may be quite remote from the boiler.

The method of obtaining automatic regula.-.

tions may be briefly described as follows:

Supplying feed water to the boiler in response: to the. water level in, the control vessel, con tinuously bleeding'steam from the boiler to the. control vessel for control purposes, continuously.

dissipating control vessel steam, varying, the. ratio of the rate of bleeding steam from the boiler to the rate of steam dissipation by maintaining one constant and varying the other in response to deviation of the selected condition from the;

control point, thereby maintaining constant water levels in the boiler and control vessel when .the said ratio is unity, transferring Water from. the boiler to the control vessel when said ratio is. less than unity, and returning water from the control vessel to the boiler when saidv ratio is greater than unity.

. Two means for dissipating control vessel steam are described in patent application #595,755, the

condensing method, referred to in lines 1 to 10, page 8, and" the alternative bleed method described in lines 13 to 21, page 10.

' Theratio oi the rate of bleedingsteam from.

they boiler to the rate of steamdissipation may,

be varied by holding either one constant and.

varying the other with controlling means re,-

in connection with the apparatus.

0 power supply through their terminals 9, 6m and sponsivewto the controlled condition. The pre ferredz method. is to maintainrthe rate of. steam. dissipation. constant and tovary therateofusteam' bleed from. the boiler. The alternative arrange! ment is shown; in Figure 7 whereby valve 3.15? varies. the rateof' steam dissipation, or steam bleed, from the control vessel, while the rate of: steamtbleed from the boiler is held: constant by the fixed; adjustment of valve. 336;

Referring to Figure 1, application. #59. 5 ;.'7:55,.it is obvious that if the positions of valves; SIB-and: 15 were interchanged, the rate of' dissipation of; control vessel steam by condensation may be: varied in response. to the controlled: condition, while the rate of steam bleed fromthe boiler; held constant thereby obtaining similar controller action.

Preset? controller action Self regulation. or control action-independentof the; operation of, control: valves, is'describedinlines L2,,to- 32,. page 9. of application: #595 This self regulation, is further described in the amendment-dated Nov, 26, 1946, on pages2 and 3.,

. and shown to be similar topreset controller action asdefinedi by-A. S. E.,terminology.

It. is ioundrthat the preset con-troller action.

is improved by putting a check valve in thecstfiflm. communicationv between the boiler and c0ntrol vessel to; prevent new of steam from; the control Referring. to- Figure 6;;when

vessel to the boiler. the: boiler steam pressure falls below that of the control vessel; valve 2 l 5- increases its opening and.

check, valve, 245;. preventsboiler and control vessel steam pressures being equalized by reverse:

flow of steam through pipe 22L The excess steam pressure in the control vessel is therefore expended toa greater extent by forcing waterthrollghpipe 22-3-to the boiler and thereby causinga greater increase in boiler power input.

When the boiler pressure rises,, valve 2.1,5- decreases its, opening.v thereby preventing appreciable. equalizing effect.

these valves are as shown in Figure 6.

Poralleltoperatzon of electricboilers Lines 13 to 19, page; of application #595,755 refer-to-threesingle phase boilers connected andoperated' as a 3 phase unit. A specific controlapparatus and connections of this description are" shown in Figure 9;.

Three-single phase electric boilers 510; 611 and 612 are connected with the three phases of the 6. Their steam outlets 613', 614' and 615- are connected witha steam: header, not shown, 6'15 and 61'! are steam pressure equalizing connections. Pipes;623,. 624 and:62.5.- connect the bottom of. the elevated controlvessel 62.6.with boilers 6.10,

611 and 6 72 respectively, at pointscorresponding.

with their. lowest operatin water levels. Manual valves EM, 642 and 643 are. located in.these con-- nections Pipeiizlv connects thetopof thecontrol Valve BIS is regulated by the output air pressure of a proportional controller 650 through tubing 652. Tubing 65! connects the controller with the point at which the pressure is controlled, preferably the steam header. Control air pressure is supplied through tubing 653.

Controller 660, connected With control vessel 626 by tubing 86! and 662, and with feed water regulating valves 628, 529 and 630 through tubing 6E3, auxiliary devices 654, 685, 666 and tubing 661, 668, 669 is a Bailey air-operated feed water regulator. This regulator, previously referred to, is described in Bulletin #106-A of the Bailey Meter Co.

Manually adjusted bleed valves 633, 634 and 835 control bleed connections with pipe 532 in which bleed control valve 6|! is located. This is an air-operated valve controlled by a 3-way solenoid valve SIB through tubing 631. Valve SIB is connected with bleed control apparatus including transformer 6 l 5, current relay B20, and bleed control electrode 6l8 by conductors I, 2, 3 and 4 as shown in the connection diagram, Figure 9.

The water levels in boilers 610, (ill and 612 must remain equal because their respective steam pressures are equal and they support a common head of water in the control vessel through their water connections 623, 624 and 625. The control functions to vary the water level in the three boilers in response to deviation of the controlled pressure from the control point, as described in application Serial No. 595,755.

It is important that the current taken by the boilers from the 3-phase supply should be balanced. With even water levels on the electrodes, the current taken by each will be equal only if the conductivity of the water in each boiler is the same. This depends on the rate of feed water supply to, and the rate of bleed from, each boiler. The salt content and conductivity will be less in the boiler having either the highest rate of feed water admission or the highest rate of bleed; consequently they must be made equal.

Controller 660 automatically adjusts its output air pressure to tubing 663 in response to means for measuring the water level in the control vessel including connections 66! and 662. Devices 664, 665 and 686 are used to adjust the ratio of the output air pressure transferred through tubing 551, 668 and 659 to the diaphragrns of regulating valves 628, 629 and 630 respectively, thereby determining the proportion of the feed water supplied to each boiler. It is obvious that these devices provide sufiicient means for equalizing the flow to each boiler.

The boiler water bleed control functions as an on-and-off controller and in the manner previously described. Because the rate of bleed, as determined by the adjustment of valves 633, 634 and 635 is constant, these valves may also be used effectively to equalize the proportion of bleed water taken from each boiler.

With adjustments made as described above, the three boilers operate as a 3-phase unit maintaining the controlled pressure on or near the control point with balanced load on the three phases of the power supply.

Figure 9 illustrates the arrangement of three single phase boilers with control apparatus for operation as a B-phase unit. Two or more similar single tank, 3-phase boilers may also be operated in parallel with a common control vessel in a similar manner. In this instance, however, it would not be essential to have equal current taken by each boiler, on the contrary it might be desirable to have one boiler take a greater load than the other or others. This may be done by adjusting the rates of feed and bleed to maintain a higher salt content and resulting conductivity in the boiler required to take the greater load.

An object is to provide a minimum of control equipment for the automatic operation of electric boilers in parallel. Separate electric boilers, having independent and complete control apparatus, may be operated in parallel by making their controllers responsive to the pressures in their respective boilers and adjusting their control points to correspond with the desired boiler loads. Raising or lowerin the control point for any one of the boilers operated in parallel. raises or lowers the proportion of load it takes.

Modifications in arrangement and control apparatus may be made. By-passes, similar to that provided by pipe 220, Figure 6, may be supplied for determining the lower limits of water level on the electrodes. Pipes 623, 624 and 625, Figure 9, and pipe 323, Figure '7, are similarly connected with control function as described under the heading Partial automatic control. A common manifold or header may be connected with each boiler at its upper limit of water level and control valve 6l5 with check valve 645 located in a pipe connecting this header with the top of the control vessel. Similarly pipes 623, 524 and 625 may be connected with a header which in turn is connected with the bottom of the control vessel by means of a pipe having the bleed control electrode 618 located in it. The use of these headers is desirable when the parallel-operated boilers are 3-phase in order to provide means for shutting down or starting up any one of them. Bleed control valve 6!! may have a manually controlled by-pass through which bleed water is discharged at a constant rate, thus obtaining over-and-under rather than on-and-off bleed control. The more simple type of feed water regulator, shown in Figure 6 may be used with a single feed water regulator valve and piping arrangement similar to that of the bleed control. The feed Water regulator shown in Figure 9 provides more adequate adjustment for phase balancing. The more simple thermo-hydraulic regu ator may be used when the boilers are of the single tank, 3-phase design and phase balancing is unnecessary. For the same reason pressure equalizing connections such as 616 and 611, Figure 9, are not required.

MODIFICATIONS The various advantages of the method and apparatus disclosed will become apparent to those skilled in the art.

It will also be understood that various additional modifications, to those already mentioned,

may be made in the specific embodiments disclosed without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the claims.

The sub-titles used throughout the specification are merely to simplify reference thereto and should otherwise be disregarded.

I claim:

1. An apparatus for regulating electric boilers of the electrode type to maintain a selected condition constant, comprising the combination of, an electric boiler having at least one electrode therein, a main steam outlet therefrom and a feed water communication thereto, an elevated control pressure-vessel separate from said steam outlet and from said feed water communication, a water communication between the boiler and the control vessel from locations at least as low as the lowest operating water level in' the boiler and in the control vessel respectively and separate from said feed water communication, a controlsteam bleed communication from the boiler to the control vessel from and to locations at least high as the highest operating water. level in the boiler and in the control vessel respectively, steam dissipating means for dissipating control vessel-steam whereby the pressure in the. control vessel is normally maintained lower than that in the boiler, control means for regulating the flow of through said control steam bleed cor u 5ation, means to prevent the steam pressure in the boiler and. control vessel respectively being equalized by reverse flow of steam through the steam communication, control means for regulating said steam-dissipating means, means for measuring the selected condition, one of said control means being responsive to said measuring the other control means being adapted to remain in fixed adjustment, means for measuring the water level in the control vessel, and controlling means responsive to said water level measuring means for regulating the flow of water through said feed water communication, said water level measuring means and controlling means constituting a liquid level controller.

2. An apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein the steam dissipating means includes a bleed. connection in the control vessel at a location above the highest operating water level, and a control valve responsive to the controlled condition for controlling said connection.

3. An apparatus, according to claim 1, including means for adjusting the sensitivity of the liquid level controller such that the difierence between liquid levels corresponding with the fullyopen and fully-closed positions of the control valve is equal to more than half of the depth of the control vessel.

4. An apparatus according to claim 1, including means for adjusting the rate of response of the liquid level controller to changes in controlled water level.

5. An apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein the measuring means of the liquid level controller is adapted to be actuated by the difference between control vessel steam and water temperatures.

6. An apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein the sensitivity of the feed water regulator is adjusted to obtain delayed response to changes in the controlled Water'level'.

'7. An apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein the measuring means of the liquid level controller is adapted to be actuated by the difference between control vessel steam and water temperatures, and the sensitivity of the feed water regulator is adjusted to obtain delayed response to changes in the control water level.

8. An apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein the measuring means of the liquid level controller is adapted to be actuated by the difference between control vessel steam and Water tempera tures, including means for removing air from the steam in the heat actuated device comprising the feed water regulator measuring means.

9. An apparatus, according to claim 1, including a thermmhydraulic type of feed water regulator with the water level regulator connected with the control vessel and mounted in such a way as to obtain a wide throttling range.

10. An apparatus, according to claim 1, including means for obtaining a time lag between 0 Number changein control vessel water level andfeed water regulator. response for the purpose of eilecting water level changes on the electrodes by transfer of water to or from the co-ntrolrvessel rather. than by c351: in the rate of feed water flow to the boiler.

ll. An apparatus for regulating electric boilers of the electrode type to maintain a selected condition constant, comprising the combination of plurality of similar electric boilers located at the same operative elevation and having at least one electrode-in each, a main steam outlet from and feed water communication to each boiler, steam pressure equalizing connections between the boilers located above the highest operating water leve in each, an elevated control pressure vessel separatefrom said steam outlets and from said feed water communications, a water com munication between each boiler and said control vessel from locations atleast as low as the lowest operating water level in the respective boilers and in the control vessel respectively and separate to said measuring means, theother control means being adapted to remain in adjustment, means for measuring t water level in. the-controlvessel, control mea-1s for regulating the flow of water through said feed water communications responsive to said water level measuring means and for adjusting the relative rates of feed water flow through the respective feed water communications.

12. An apparatus, according to claim 1, in which the selected condition controlled is the pressure in the steam system at a point remote from the.

boilers.

13. An apparatus according to claim 11, including a separate water bleed communication from each boiler, separate means for adjusting each bleed communication to a constant capacity, a header connecting the outlet ends of said bleed communications, bleed controlling means for controlling the blced from said header, and measuring means responsive to the salt concentration in one of said feed water communications for actuating the bleed controlling means for controlling the bleed from said header.

1%. An apparatus, according to claim 11, including a check valve in said control steam bleed communication adapted to prevent loss of control tan: steam pressure by reverse how of steam.

MILTON EATON.

REFERENCES CI'LCEH The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UllITTJD STATES PATENTS Name Date Pentecost Apr. 7,1885 Goodwin Oct. 17, 1899 Eaton .Jan. 2,1940 Cortese Aug..12, 19 41 

